The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library

RING OF TIME

Professional, Originally Released On Cassette Only

Game Type          : Text Adventure

Author             : Phillip A. Gibbs

Standalone Release(s)   : 1986: RING OF TIME, Kansas, £3.95

Compilation Release(s) : None

Stated compatibility    : Electron

Actual compatibility    : Electron, BBC B, B+ and Master 128

Supplier            : KANSAS CITY SYSTEMS, Unit 3, Sutton Springs Wood,

                    CHESTERFIELD. Tel: 0246 850357.

Disc compatibility     : CDFS E00, DFS E00

Instructions

Supplied without instructions. All instructions on screen.

Review (Electron User)

This is the first Kansas adventure I've managed to get a look at and I'm quite impressed. Although written in Basic, the responses are excellent and a peek at the listing shows that a lot of work has gone into producing the program. Right. Now for the plot.

Legend tells of a "time-ring" belonging to Zor, an evil magician of the Middle Ages. Your task is to search for and find the ring. No easy task, I can assure you.

I won't reveal too much about the game. There is one problem, however, that is likely to stump you - how to get past the crocodiles. This is a bit nasty, but man's best friend should come in handy here. The other problems are totally logical (in retrospect).

A good atmosphere is generated by wise use of room descriptions, but don't try TAKEing the things you are told about, most of them aren't recognised.

Incidentally, Kansas gives a lifetime guarantee on its cassettes. This, along with the reasonable price of the game seems quite good to me.

There is a superb puzzle involving a locked door and a piece of parchment that isn't all it seems. But I'll leave the pleasure of finding out exactly what I mean for you to discover.

The program itself does get a bit frustrating in that it doesn't recognise GET and all the verbs I tried had to be typed in full. For instance, you have to type in EXAMINE, EXAM isn't recognised. Possibly I'm just getting lazy.

The actual level of the adventure is aimed at the average player. However I think beginners will find it interesting, though the more experienced player shouldn't take all that long to solve it.

Overall, a well-linked plot that's very nice to play, and a well-priced product that's good value for money. More please.

Merlin, ELECTRON USER 2.12